Take this wedding destination quiz to find the perfect venue

If you’re trying to decide whether you should get married in France or Italy, I have news for you: there’s no wrong answer!

Having spent a decade photographing weddings, traveling and even living in both France and Italy, I can tell you that no matter what, your wedding is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime event for both you, your fiance, and all of your guests.

What I love about both countries’ cultures is that both the French and the Italians know how to party. Their respective wedding celebrations always include ample food and wine from start to well into the night (and often into the next day’s sunrise!) Boasting incredible, historic wedding venues from coast to coast, city to city and throughout the countryside, you’ll be spoiled with choices for your European destination wedding.

Even though the two share plenty of similarities (ie. love of food, love of parties) France and Italy offer different vibes for their soon-to-be-wedded destination couples. To make things simpler for you, we came up with a quick wedding destination quiz to find out which European venue is best suited for your dream wedding.

Once you’ve found your wedding destination quiz results we’re sharing four incredible wedding venues from The Heritage Collection. Restoring historic, exclusive properties in both France and Italy, each venue is an absolute dream for a destination wedding.

Chateau de Villette photographed by Blush Wedding Photography

Villa Astor photographed by Elena Baranchuk

Let’s start with a little wedding destination quiz…

Write down your answer, A or B, for each:

1. Wedding vibes
A: Elegant and elevated
B: Warm and rustic

2. Most excited for…
A: The fashion
B: The food

3. Reception space
A: Posh ballroom dinner
B: Lively outdoor dinner

4. Aperitif or Aperitivo?
A: Champagne
B: Negroni

5. Florals
A: Peonies and bundles of blooms
B: Roses and olive branches

Chateau de Villette photographed by Christophe Serrano

6. Dinner
A: Exquisite Haute-cuisine
B: Warm Mediterranean flavors

7. Dessert
A: A croquembouche tower of choux pastry, set with sparklers
B: A massive berries and cream millefoglie pastry cake

8. Wine
A: Delicate and mineral
B: Bold and fruity

9. Party
A: Stylish house-music dance party
B: Live band and dancing under the stars

Now, add up the amount of A’s and B’s you selected for your results…

Villa Astor photographed by Marina Fadeeva

Chateau de Villette photographed by Monsoleil Weddings

Chateau De Villette

Mostly A’s: Allons en France! (Let’s go to France!)

You’re dreaming of a posh Parisian party, oui? If your wedding vision includes ornate chateaus, garden parties, costume changes and a stylish dance party, I’d say France is the wedding destination for you.

When I fall into daydreams over my favorite French weddings, I see images of couture fashion, immaculate design details, stylish couples and cool brides. Every moment is made for a magazine. Whether it be the fabulous fecund florals, fashionable guests toasting flutes of Champagne or the sparkling croquembouche cake that lights up the dance floor. If you want a Vogue-worthy wedding, say “Je le veux” to…

Chateau de Villete photographed by Nastia Vesna

Chateau de Villete photographed by Anna Grinnet

Chateau de Villette

The Splendor of French Decor

Just North of Paris is the breathtaking, Chateau de Villette. A historic estate set in a woodland park, this castle wedding venue boasts two lakes, immaculate gardens, ornate interiors and classic French architecture. Known as “Little Versailles”, any couple that dreams of a royal wedding will feel like royalty strolling through these impressive halls and gardens. Chateau de Villette epitomizes elegance, luxury and the famous French expression “art de vivre”.

Get ready for your wedding day in one of the chateau’s seven luxurious suites. Take portraits in the beautiful French gardens. Exchange your vows on the pristine grounds. Finally, dance the night away in the historic halls of this stunning estate.

See the venue.

Chateau de Villette – The Heritage Collection – Wedding Destination Quiz France or Italy – Bridal Musings 3

Chateau de Villette photographed by Oliver Fly

Villa Clara in Rome photographed by Branco Prata

Mostly B’s: Andiamo in Italia! (Let’s go to Italy!)

If dining al fresco for hours under the stars beside a stunning Italian villa is ‘your thing’ then, amore mio, let’s get married in Italy!

My Italian wedding couples always have two things in common: they’re wildly fun and passionate about food. Boisterous parties with ever-flowing wine. Towers of meat and cheese, bundles of olive branches cascading down a long family table. Olive oil favors and gelato carts. If this sounds like you, we have three incredible venues to recommend…

Villa Astor photographed by Bottega53

Villa Astor

Paradise Restored on the Amalfi Coast

A gem sparkling on the Amalfi Coast. Villa Astor is a lavish, luxurious, over-the-top beautiful Mediterranean jewel. With a history that spans nearly 2000 years, marrying at Villa Astor means adding your wedding to the rich story that spans the millennia.

We’re not talking just royalty vibes with Villa Astor, no. The suites will make you feel no less than a goddess. Historic artworks of the Greek and Roman antiquities and period furniture fill the halls of this villa while the bathrooms feature incredible works of marble. A celebration and stay at Villa Astor is as lavishly wonderful as one can imagine.

But it’s the seascape outside that will ultimately take your breath away. Situated high on a cliff on the Amalfi Coast, one might argue this majestic property boasts some of the best views in the entire world.

See the venue.

Villa Astor – The Heritage Collection – Wedding Destination Quiz France or Italy – Bridal Musings 1

Villa Astor photographed by Marymoon Photographer

Villa Balbiano photographed by Laura Gordon

Villa Balbiano

The Italian Opulence on Lake Como

There’s a reason celebrities like John Legend and Chrissy Teigen get married along the banks of Lake Como. The crystalline lake in the Italian Alps is seductively beautiful. Steep Alpine cliffs fall into a deep, beautifully blue lake. While lavish Italian villas glitter the bankside. Imagine the breathtaking grandeur of the Alps featuring the relaxed nature of Italy. Villa Balbiano is one of the most coveted estates that can be found in this mountain paradise.

For over 300 years, Villa Balbiano has been the host of some of Europe’s most stunning festivals, banquets and events. As warm and inviting as any Italian villa, this estate is as lavish and opulent as any European regal palace. We imagine a wildly fun, grand wedding with live music and fashion worthy of Vogue Italia. Then, a getaway boat for you and your love as you tour around the glittering lake at sunset.

See the venue.

bottega53 villa balbiano the heritage collection lake como wedding venue

Villa Balbiano photographed by Bottega53

Villa Clara

A Palatial Residence in the Heart of the Eternal City

A grand and impressive estate in the center of Rome, Villa Clara gives couples an exclusive oasis in the heart of it all. Built during the early 1900s, the villa features Greco-Roman architecture and Art-Deco style. The four luxurious suites are dressed with rich fabrics, marble bathrooms, delicate artworks, authentic period furniture and vintage pieces by Lalique, Baccarat, Colombostile. Each suite bursts with character.

Summon your friends and family to experience Rome in a way most never could dream of. Treat yourself to a moment of calm and bliss in a traditional hammam in the wellness area. Or, take a swim in the magnificent indoor swimming pool reminiscent of the Roman baths. We imagine a swanky, black-tie affair. An elegant ceremony followed by a sexy evening filled with deep intrigue.

See the venue.

France or Italy Wedding Destination Quiz – Villa Clara in Rome Italy – The Heritage Collection – Bridal Musings 1

Chateau de Villette – The Heritage Collection – Wedding Destination Quiz France or Italy – Bridal Musings 6

Chateau de Villette photographed by KT Merry

Chateau de Villette photographed by Oliver Fly

Essential Info

Did our wedding destination quiz lead to you to the right venue? To see more photos and find information about booking your wedding day at any of these stunning venues, visit The Heritage Collection’s website.

The Heritage Collection commissioned French interior designer, Jacques Garcia to restore all its properties both in Italy and France. Antiquities aficionado, especially of 17th and 18th centuries, his passion for precious materials, the trademark blend of styles and elegance of his designs all made Garcia a perfect choice whom to entrust the delicate historical estates.

Follow The Heritage Collection on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook for real weddings and inspiration for your own destination wedding.

This post was made in partnership with The Heritage Collection.